ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

This certainly was an interesting challenge, Maureen - and a very unusual photograph. Took a bit of head scratching to stir up the little grey cells - but here we go ...

A Moment in Time
(c) Shelley Hansen 29/9/17

She sits at her easel. The brush in her hand
will capture a moment in time -
the sweep of the valley, the fall of the light,
the mountains - serene and sublime.

The north-facing window reflects back her face.
The wrinkles proclaim she is old,
yet somehow it seems silver-grey has returned
to childhood's long tresses of gold.

She's young once again by the white homestead gate,
the soft morning chill fills the air.
She smells the aroma of freshly-baked bread -
created with love, made to share.

Her life has swept by on the swiftest of wings,
the milestones, like seasons, have flown.
Now memory's bountiful harvest has reaped
the fruits of the seeds she has sown.

How long is forever? Will living outlast
the paint on her canvas of dreams?
Will death, dressed in darkness, creep in to erase
a future of unfinished schemes?

A work still in progress. She mixes her hues,
for life - like the painting - goes on.
Each day is a gift as she works to create
a legacy when she is gone.

Beautifully done, Shelley, incorporating the prompts in a very thought-provoking way. The concept of a painting combined with "How long is forever?" raises some interesting philosophical questions.

Cheers
David

Beautiful Shelley, just beautiful - excellent use of the prompts and you have captured the muse perfectly.

Thanks so much David and Maureen.

Yes, David, I thought of you when I drew that comparison!

Cheers
Shelley